Guest Bathroom

This is the room makeover that took me to longest to complete in my home and I’m so glad the time is finally here to share it! I started the planning and demo process in February of 2025 and through various family health issues, sibling weddings, and new puppies, I didn’t complete it until nearly the end of the year. I learned so much, tackled things that I didn’t know I could do on my own, and ended up with a room that I now love! Keep reading to see the full reveal along with the design process and all the sources. 

Before

This room started as a very boring a basic builder-grade special. Grey tile and counters, white walls and tub surround, and little to no character. I wanted to keep as much existing material as possible to keep costs and labor down, while bringing in as much texture and style as possible. 

Design Plan

I figured I could work with the bones of the room and use molding, textiles, and art to make a big impact. So I decided to keep the bathtub and surround, grey floor tile, and basic vanity and counter. I planned to add molding, swap the vanity mirror and sconces, and change the compact toilet for one with an elongated bowl. I also shopped for a vintage rug, shower curtain, and window treatment to bring warmth and color. 

The Reveal

After months of planning and work, and many hours spent on Youtube University, I am so happy with how this room turned out. I loved the added character that the crown and wall moulding added, and the floor to ceiling shower curtain made the whole space feel like an extension of the rest of the house, rather than a cold utility room. 

While I planned to keep the vanity, I wanted to find a way to make it feel more intentional, so I added some trim that mimics the look of inset cabinetry. I also painted it with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray that was leftover from a pervious project. Although it is a gray color, it feels like an intensional tie-in with the gray floor, and adds warmth and depth to the otherwise white-on-white room. 

One of the main swaps of the room was of the toilet. The previous one was compact and uncomfortable, so we wanted to change it to one with an elongated bowl. Is it weird that I had a dream toilet? Because I had a dream toilet and knew it would be perfect in here. I also added a chrome and porcelain flush handle that adds a bit of unexpected flair. 

Because so much of the room was staying the same, I relied heavily on textiles and accessories to bring warmth and style. The brass curtain rod and extra long curtain made the room feel at least 1 foot taller (the ceilings are only 8 feet tall). And while chrome isn’t my first choice for a silver finish (I prefer polished nickel), I wanted to tie in the existing sink and shower faucet. And the towel hooks next to the tub are much more functional than the previous towel rod that was across the room. 

I spent quite a bit of time looking for a window shade before deciding to make my own with a fabric that I love. It took a lot of time and hand stitching, but I love the color it brought to the room and since I have used this fabric elsewhere in my home, it brings continuity in from other rooms.

For art, I had a large unused frame in storage, so I found a free digital download to print and frame. I also selected a handmade plaster intaglio from Statuette that completed the vignette. 

There is open shelving in the corner of the room that can’t be seen when the door is open, but is on full display when anyone uses the room and closes the door, so I wanted it to be beautiful and functional storage. Some large fabric bins and a couple baskets did the trick. I also added an additional light source in the form of a mini lamp. Paired with a rechargeable light bulb, it lights up this corner in such a cozy way.

Lighting is one of my favorite things to shop for in a room makeover and other than the mini lamp, my only opportunity in this room was with the vanity lighting. This room started with a single sconce (with three lights) above the vanity mirror. I wanted to swap that for two slim sconces on either side of the mirror, so I had to do a bit of rewiring and it was so worth it. I love the warm touch of brass these sconces bring, and the pleated silk shades are so classy.

And speaking of classy, this mirror was on my home wishlist for years and I’m so glad it worked in this room. I had just enough space to fit the mirror, sconces, and wall moulding and I love the focal point it provides as you walk into the room. The height also makes it feel much more grand than before.

The final touches came in the form of a striped hand towel, a pretty soap and lotion set, and my favorite find: a vintage wool rug. 

I love the denim blue tones in this one, and the neutral colors perfectly match the shower curtain and Roman Shade. It’s also super soft to stand on when paired with a rug pad.

Shop My Home: Guest Bath Sources

Click the links below to shop the sources for my guest bath makeover. This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you)!

brass shower rod // brass shower rod flange // shower curtain // crown moulding // wall moulding // baseboard moulding // mirror // roman shade fabric // soap & lotion set // brass wall sconce // hand towel hook // sink faucet // striped hand towel // brass hardware vanity doors // brass hardware vanity drawers // toilet // mini marble lamp // rechargeable light bulb // bath towel hooks // vintage rug shop // tissue box cover // toilet paper holder // fabric box // toilet handle // black frame // art print (free download!) // intaglio art // match box // candle // marble dish

Thanks for letting me share this DIY room renovation with you; I hope you enjoyed it!